Khlainpyrkhat Syiemlieh: Rangdajied’s morale is high

The north eastern side stunned the Goan giants with two late goals from Ranti Martins…

Salgaocar FC’s hopes of catching up with Bengaluru FC after the latter dropped two points at home went up in smoke as they were downed 2-1 by Rangdajied United at the Tilak Maidan, Goa.

Francis Fernandes had put his side ahead in the 83rd minute before Ranti Martins’ couple of goals spoiled the evening for Salgaocar.

“When we win, we are happy. We know that we are in a crucial stage in the relegation, so this win will give us more confidence because we have a home match next against Sporting Clube de Goa on the 2nd [of April]. With this win, the morale of the boys has gone high,” said assistant coach Khlainpyrkhat Syiemlieh.

Salgaocar had requested for an earlier kick-off hoping to capitalize on the humid conditions which the visitors would find it difficult to adjust.

“When the match started, we didn't attack very hard. We were defending deep because the conditions were a bit hot. So we thought we would attack in the last part of the game. But when we conceded the goal we started attacking and scored the two goals. Credit to the boys,” he said.

The Goan side missed a couple of chances in the first half but their midfield never really created clear-cut chances in the second half.

“It seemed like (Salgaocar were not at their best). They also were conserving energy and didn't push too much, but I expected them to take the home advantage. They also relaxed.”

The north eastern side are in the eighth spot on the table and wins in their next three matches could see them finishing in the top half.

“It's very close. Everybody is fighting to go on top,” he said.

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